Child Support in Florida is calculated in accordance with the Florida Child Support Guidelines and is primarily predicated on both parties combined incomes. There are three components of child support under Florida law, the guideline child support, the cost of health insurance for the child(ren), the number of overnights spent with each parent and the cost of childcare expenses incurred for the children, due to the parents' employment or schooling.
At the Law Offices of Christian D. Smed, P.A., we work closely with Mothers and Fathers in the Orlando area, to resolve our client child support issues in a favorable manner. To accomplish our client's objectives, we strive to calculate child support based upon verified factual information concerning each parent's income from all sources and thereafter accurately tax effect the parties' incomes to determine the most appropriate manner in which to resolve this issue of child support. Our goal is to paint a clear picture of your legal options, so you can protect your financial interests.
Whether you are in the process of getting divorced or you are already paying child support, we can help you ensure you get a fair deal. Contact Winter Park Child Support attorney Christian D. Smed or call us at 407.644.2978 today for a free consultation for a free consultation.
Why Our Firm Brings Special Power To Enforcement Proceedings
Florida law imposes no obligation for a parent to support a child beyond the age of emancipation, which in our state is the age of 18, or 19 if the minor child is enrolled in high school with a reasonable expectation of graduation, becomes emancipated, marries, joins the armed services, becomes self-supporting (unless the child is disabled). Since that is the age most children go to college, or seek other vocational training, parents wanting what is best for their children feel they have been left high and dry by the law.
The best way to avoid this disappointment is by thinking ahead. It is possible, while you are still married, to sign a contract spelling out each parent's contribution to college expenses. The earlier you start setting money aside for this purpose, the less painful it will be later. Even when you divorce, parents may elect to make college expense support an element in their divorce settlement agreement. Many couples elect to put funds into an escrow or trust account for use later. Others seek a one-time lump-sum payment. Be aware a college expenses agreement is not viewed by the court as child support.
This is a personal choice which you must negotiate with your ex. Your best option is to work with a knowledgeable family law attorney like Christian Smed. Call Chris in Winter Park at 407.644.2978 for a free consultation — or email him a description of your college expenses situation.